Jesus Is The Reason (Part 1)

It's the time of year again when people are frantically running around buying presents, just seem to be in a cheerier mood, and, for the most part, seem a little more hopeful. Many would attribute this "magic" of the season to the celebration of upcoming holidays, but so many also forget why we celebrate Christmas. Receiving gifts, while exciting, is not the reason we should be celebrating. Jesus is the true reason for celebration.

Jesus' Birth

The birth of Jesus is a profound and pivotal event, told in detail in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Here is a narrative combining key elements from these accounts for a full context:

In the Gospel of Luke, we learn that an angel named Gabriel was sent by God to a young virgin named Mary, who was living in the town of Nazareth in Galilee. The angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" (Luke 1:28, NKJV). Gabriel announced that Mary would "conceive a child by the Holy Spirit, and she was to name Him Jesus." Gabriel went on to explain that, "This child will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever" (Luke 1:31-33, NKJV).

At the same time, in the Gospel of Matthew, Joseph, who was preparing to be wed to Mary, learned of her pregnancy and considered quietly ending their engagement. However, an angel appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:20, NKJV). The angel explained that the child would save people from their sins, fulfilling the prophecy that a virgin would bear a son named Immanuel, meaning "God with us" (Matthew 1:22-23).

Luke's account continues with the decree from Caesar Augustus that all should be registered, which required Joseph and Mary to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the city of David. While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth. Because there was no room in the inn, Mary gave birth to Jesus and laid Him in a manger, or a feeding trough for livestock (Luke 2:6-7). Though Jesus came to earth as a king and savior of the world, his humble beginnings reflect the image he sustained his entire life, one of service leadership in which he drew people to him through his love rather than through his material possessions.

Shepherds in the fields nearby were visited by an angel who announced, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11, NKJV). Suddenly, a multitude of heavenly hosts appeared praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:14, NKJV). The shepherds went quickly to see this child, sharing the good news they had received, and they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus, just as the angel had said.

Additionally, the Gospel of Matthew describes the visit of the wise men from the East who followed a star to find the newborn King. They came to Jerusalem, inquiring about the King of the Jews, prompting fear in King Herod. Guided by the star, the wise men found Jesus, worshiped Him, and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:1-11).

The birth of Jesus embodies the joyful fulfillment of prophecy and divine intervention, signifying the arrival of God's salvation plan through His Son. By reflecting on this sacred event, one can witness God's profound love and the humility chosen for the entrance of the Savior into the world.

What prophecies were fulfilled with Jesus' Birth?

The birth of Jesus fulfills several Old Testament prophecies, pointing to Jesus as the promised Messiah. Here are some key prophecies and their fulfillments:

1. Virgin Birth:

- Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14 foretold that "the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel."

- Fulfillment: In Matthew 1:22-23, the angel confirms to Joseph that Mary's miraculous conception fulfills this prophecy, embodying God with us.

2. Birth in Bethlehem:

- Prophecy: Micah 5:2 predicted that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, saying, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel."

- Fulfillment: Luke 2:4-7 records Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, as Joseph and Mary were there for a census ordered by Caesar Augustus.

3. Lineage of David:

- Prophecy: Jeremiah 23:5 speaks of a righteous branch from David’s line, and 2 Samuel 7:12-13 describes an eternal kingdom established through David's descendants.

- Fulfillment: Both Matthew 1 and Luke 3 detail Jesus' genealogy, confirming He is of David's lineage, bringing about this promise.

4. Presentation of Gifts by Kings:

- Prophecy: Psalm 72:10-11 and Isaiah 60:6 speak of kings bringing gifts and worshiping Him.

- Fulfillment: Matthew 2:1-11 describes wise men from the East visiting Jesus and presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

5. Massacre of the Innocents:

- Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:15 foretold the sorrowful lamentation in Ramah as Rachel weeps for her children.

- Fulfillment: Matthew 2:16-18 recounts Herod's decree to kill male infants in Bethlehem, fulfilling this prophecy.

6. Called Out of Egypt:

- Prophecy: Hosea 11:1 says, "Out of Egypt I called My Son."

- Fulfillment: After being warned in a dream, Joseph takes Jesus to Egypt, and upon Herod's death, they return, fulfilling this in Matthew 2:14-15.

These prophecies emphasize God’s intricate and sovereign plan in the coming of Jesus, validating His identity as the promised Savior and solidifying faith in God's promises and His redemptive work through Christ.